The Phillies called up Vance Worley from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill in. Last season he was 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts for the Phillies. This season for the Iron Pigs he is 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA in four starts.

Worley is one of those kids from the ‘straight brim crew.’ Guys like Drew Storen of the Nationals and Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees that are young and hungry. The 24 year-old right handed pitcher is striking out 9.9 batters per nine innings.

The last time the Mets were in town, the Phillies took two out of three from New York. Tonight they will be facing off against right hander Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey is 6-4 with an ERA over five against Philadelphia. Ryan Howard has had the most success against Pelfrey hitting .406 with two home runs.

After winning the series finale in Arizona the Phillies offense will look to continue to heat up. Placido Polanco has 10 hits in his last 20 at bats and Ben Francisco has six RBIs in his last seven games.

Brian Schneider will get the start again filling in for Ruiz, who is suffering from back pain. Dane Sardinha was recalled earlier today to be the third catcher in case something happens to Schneider. Instead of sending Ruiz to the DL, they decided to send Mike Zagurski back down to the minors.

The Nation’s Pat Gallen is down at CBP and here are some things he is hearing:

On Blanton – Felt a burn when he tossed changeups; that’s what took him out of the last game. After that it didn’t really get any better. Amaro and Manuel say they hope to have him back sooner than later. More or less, he just needs rest.

On Worley – Charlie says if he can get 5-7 innings from the youngster, it will be perfect.

On Ruiz – No DL yet, going to give him 2-3 days rest and see where he is then. Sardinha was called up in case the DL is needed.

Tonight’s selection comes to us from Fire Island, NY, that crazy place off Long Island where cars are prohibited. And it is this quirky phenomenon that give us the name of the beer since red wagons are what locals use to transport goods around the island. Ah, simple times call for a simple beer. This golden beer is balanced with floral and fruity hops and is perfect for a September evening. Have it with some grilled pork chops.GO PHILLIES!

Good news.
I have access to the Phillies feed tonight.
Keith Hernandez is like fingernails on a chalk board for me.
And I dont have to get through 3 hours of the Mets broadcasters talking about what a bandbox the Phillies park is.

I thought he was mostly solid. Had some control issues here and there, so he walked a few, and he let more fly balls go then I’m sure Dubee would have preferred, but at the end of the day he tossed 6 shutout innings, so who can complain?

Just finished reading the thread from earlier today. Andrew was right folks, Werth’s status as a former playoff tested winner as a Phillie had a lot to do with the Nationals giving him a large payday.

Their plan was to give him that contract, hoping to then lure someone like Greinke or Lee. They thought that they had to show that they were both willing to spend the money and serious about becoming a winner. It didn’t work- yet, but it probably will and there are more good FA pitchers coming up next year.

Am I the only one who is rooting for Werth ? He played good for us and I wish him well in DC.. I think the Nats grossly overpaid for him and it was a questionable signing but you cant hold the Nats stupidity against Werth.. He was out to get the most money. Cant blame the guy.

I’m not particularly rooting for him, but I wouldn’t boo him either. He did good things for this town, and he didn’t leave on bad terms. Unlike some others, he didn’t bad-mouth the team or the fans on his way out or since; he just followed the money, and it’s hard to blame him for that.

I dont blame Werth at all. He had no choice. If someone wants to pay me 137 million to post on philliesnation I have to take it.
He had to take the money. It really isnt his fault or the Phillies.
I guess I am rooting for him though because he is on my fantasy team. 🙂

Andrew… Howard mauls everyone. He has more RBI than anyone since he has come up and that is his job- drive in runs. Mike Miss just acknowledged my point- Howard is the most important hitter on this team. He’s the main reason we are talking about the greatest era in franchise history.

Of course he is. He is the highest paid player and plays first base for the Phillies.
Your first baseman should ALWAYS be your most important hitter on your team.
All I am saying is that someone like Pujos or another handful of first baseman could do the same.
Pujos Gonzalez Texiera Cabrera Fielder Morneau Votto. Off the top of my head.

He is a big part of the reason this is the best era in team history.
The main reason? no just one of many.

The phillies had Jim Thome and his monster stats before Howard. Whoever the firstbaseman is in 2020. He should be the most important hitter on the team and hit 40 homers and drive in 120.

Don’t get me wrong I am not sitting here saying he sucks like some. Or running him out of town. I am appreciative. Hes a really nice fit here. Looking at the Phillies payroll in 2011 he is paid just about right too. I could maybe argue he is a tad over paid. But I wont do that. He is a great player who could go to the hall of fame. Enjoy him.

And Chuck my original post about him being frustrating to watch was not meant tobe negative at all.
I was more trying to explain to you why people get frustrated with him and you hear some of the negative comments.

Gotcha… There are three first basemen out there that might have better tools but Howard is our guy and he’s having a hall of fame career right before our eyes. we don’t always give him the credit he deserves and we don’t always rally behind him when he’s struggling. A lot of people will jump on the anti-Ryan bandwagon the first moment he slumps. Everyone slumps… The great ones battle and work and he does that. It is a lot easier to battle when the fans are pushing you and not bashing you.